Study Links iPhone Access to Part of U.S. Fertility Drop Since 2007, Leaving Most of Decline Unexplained

U.S. fertility rate. U.S. Birth rate started to slide. U.S. counties with widespread AT&T coverage to those with minimal access to the carrier's service. The iPhone was distributed exclusively through AT&T from its 2007 rollout through 2011.

Myers ran statistical checks controlling for economic and demographic factors and found the iPhone effect remained consistent. "What we are seeing is that the places that have the iPhone have big fertility changes relative to the other places," Myers told CBS News. "I said, 'Wow, but this has to be too big,'" she recalled.

" "I'm not surprised that there is an effect. I am surprised that it stands out so, so clearly," Myers said. "We're not saying it's all the iPhone. What we are saying is that it is a really important factor to consider.

Over this short period of time, it could explain about a third to a half of the decline. " Myers stated that the technology makes it easier to view pornography and find information on contraception. She also noted that many people have turned to their phones as a substitute for in-person interactions.

"It's a real concern for economic growth to have a population with fertility below replacement levels," Myers said. " On Tuesday, the Social Security Administration said the federal program is at risk of exhausting its trust fund as soon as 2032. Several factors, including the declining birth rate, are contributing to the approaching funding shortfall, according to the agency.

Myers thinks the drop in birth rates is unlikely to be reversed solely through economic policy such as tax incentives. The Trump administration has encouraged Americans to have more children and floated ideas such as a "baby bonus" for new parents. U.S. Children, offering federal government contributions of up to $1,000 to eligible kids.